4-Point Checklist for Returning to Work After Ostomy Surgery

Returning to work after ostomy surgery should not be rushed. Check off these 4 necessities before getting back on the job and get other workplace tips.

Find out if you’re ready to return to work after ostomy surgery.

If you’ll be going back to work after your ostomy surgery, you’ll need to be sure you’re ready. Every body is different and recovery varies by person. The severity of your disease or injury, your recovery time, your age and the type of job you do…these can all affect how long it will take you to get back to work.

If possible, don’t rush it. Take your time. Returning before you are ready may cause more problems in the long run.

Below is a simple four-point checklist you can use to decide if you’re ready to work again:

You can empty your pouch without assistance

You are confident that you have enough energy to do a day’s work

You feel comfortable about travelling to work

You know what to do if your pouch leaks and needs to be replaced in an emergency

If you’re still not sure whether you should return to work, ask your healthcare team for guidance.

Practical tips for getting back to work after ostomy surgery

Here are a few more things that can give you peace of mind in the workplace:

Carry a change of supplies with you in your bag. Don’t leave your products in the car – extreme heat or cold could melt them or cause them not to work properly.
Keep a change of supplies at your workplace – in your desk drawer or in a locker
If possible, return to work gradually. You might feel low on energy during the day, even months after the operation. It may be best to work part-time before going back full-time, if financially feasible.

If you feel like your employer is not working in good faith to accommodate your new ostomy needs, New Zealand has equal opportunity laws to manage discrimination in the workplace.

Download the full pdf booklet: Living with an Ostomy: Home & Work Life